Media Kits

The Health of Iowans

Health Care Trends and Issues – October 2016

A new report, The Health of Iowans, released by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield identified obesity as a common, underlying factor that contributes to the most costly conditions among its members in Iowa. Obesity rates have drastically increased over the past 25 years — so much so that if obesity was a contagious disease, it would be considered an epidemic both in Iowa and across the country.
Download the report

Learn more about ACA plan trends and 2017 rates

In both Iowa and South Dakota, we see the same overall trends for Under 65 ACA plans.

Large claims are much higher than expected.

The cost and volume of prescriptions has increased significantly.

Cancellations and changes in coverage have created a significant gap in forecasted premiums.